Why is access so important?
Since the introduction of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) on October 1st 2004, service providers (irrespective of sector) have been required to make reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of disabled users.
The impetus is placed upon service providers to make the adjustments that need to be made in order to become accessible to disabled customers and to justify any potential adjustments not made. Solid justification must now be provided by service providers for any decisions that may hinder access for disabled people.
What can MLS Disability and Inclusion Offer?
MLS Disability and Inclusion can offer a range of access related services designed to support clients meet the needs of the DDA. Our access services do not solely look at the physical structure of a building, but also take into account procedural, attitudinal and cultural issues within the organisation that may prevent disabled people participating.
Although MLS can build an access package designed specifically to meet the needs of your organisation/project, below are some examples of products on offer. (Please notes, costs are indicative, based upon an average sized sports centre, accurate quotations can be supplied upon request.)
Option 1 - Fitness Experience Audits – This type of access audit explores the journey that a disabled person would take when accessing the fitness suite of a facility. As well as commenting upon and making recommendations based upon best practice guidance and regulations, we will also provide feedback in relation to fitness equipment selection, staff training and policies and procedures. This work generally requires a one-day site visit followed by one day’s report preparation.
£1000.00 +vat +expenses
Option 2 - Whole Facility Access Audits – This type of access audit would take into account the whole facility, focusing on any areas accessed by the public. As with the Fitness Experience Audit, recommendations will be made in relation to fitness equipment selection, staff training, policies and procedures. This work generally requires a one-day site visit and one to two days’ report preparation.
£1000.00 - £1500.00 +vat +expenses
Option 3 - Whole Facility Access Audits and Preparation of Access Statement –
There is now a legislative requirement for service providers to justify any decisions relating to access that may inhibit access for disabled people. This is delivered in the form of an access statement. Accompanying a whole facility access audit, MLS Disability and Inclusion can support you to develop and produce your access statement, having gained a comprehensive understanding of any issues that may exist. This work generally requires a one day site visit, including interviews with key personnel together with two to three days’ report and statement preparation.
£1500.00 - £2500.00 +vat +expenses
Option 4 - Access Audits From Plans
MLS Disability and Inclusion can make recommendations to your organisation or architect from plans. We will make recommendations in relation to the layout of the building in terms of Part M Building Regulations and also in terms of the operational requirements of the facility. We will also make some general recommendations in relation to fixtures, fittings and finishes, but a more in depth consultancy service can be offered in this respect. This work generally requires one to two days’ report preparation.
£500.00 – £1000.00 +vat +expenses
Option 5 - New Build Consultancies
MLS has worked closely with architects on a number of projects offering advice on new build facilities. This work can be wide ranging, from just looking at plans, to meeting with architects and supporting decisions on an ongoing basis throughout the build. A comprehensive package in this area would ensure that your facility becomes as inclusive as possible.
It is difficult to make a general assessment of how long this work will take as it will vary from client to client.
Bespoke quotation to be provided upon request and submission of plans.
Option 6 - Signage Audit and Assessment
Signage is fundamental in ensuring a facility is accessible. MLS Disability and Inclusion Consultants have a range of experience in providing advice in this area, and are well positioned to offer quality, independent advice in relation to providing a quality signage system. MLS are not affiliated to any manufacturer of signage, you can therefore be assured of independent, objective advice. This work can be carried out either from plans or as a result of a site visit. In all cases a comprehensive report will be produced making recommendations not only on the location of signs, but also the format, layout and type of sign required for specific situations.
£500.00 - £1500.00 +vat +expenses
Option 7 - Bespoke Access Services
MLS Disability and Inclusion can offer bespoke access services to meet clients’ specific needs. Our consultants will discuss your project in detail with you by phone or by e mail and make recommendations as to the level of service that would benefit you most. If you would like to discuss any bespoke projects with one of our consultants, please get in touch.
Bespoke quotation to be provided following discussion with an MLS Disability and Inclusion Consultant.
